Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that is thought to affect one in five people, and is more common in women than it is in men. The causes of IBS are not completely clear, although it has been linked to stress (read our post about stress and IBS to learn more about this), and is thought to be related to a sensitivity in the gut. Unfortunately there is no cure for the condition, but there are ways that you can manage the symptoms to prevent it from interfering with your everyday life.
Stress Management
As we’ve mentioned, we have already written about the link between stress and IBS, so we won’t go into this in much detail, but it is important for IBS sufferers to identify whether their symptoms are triggered by stressful or upsetting situations. It may then improve your condition to seek help from a therapist or by using stress-relief techniques.
Food Diary
If you can identify the foods which trigger your symptoms, it can make it a lot easier to manage your condition. In order to identify which foods are causing you problems, keep a food diary and note when you experience a flare-up of symptoms. This should help you to recognise a pattern by which your body reacts to the foods you are eating. Keep track of your symptoms as well as the foods you ingest, as this will give you a good idea of what to avoid.
Exercise
Many people find that exercise can contribute to the improvement of symptoms. This can be partly due to the fact that exercise is proven to release endorphins, which can lift your mood and relieve stress. Exercise is also a fantastic way to lose weight and to get your body into shape.
Here at London Gastroenterology Centre, we specialise in digestive health and gastrointestinal diseases. Our team of expert doctors are particularly skilled in a wide range of procedures and treatments such as endoscopies, colonoscopies and acid reflux treatment. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us today by calling 020 7183 7965 to speak to a member of our team.
